Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04
Posted on 04/15/2005 5:16:04 PM PDT by Libloather
Vet is shepherding war-dog honor
By Mike McPhee
Denver Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2005
A Vietnam War veteran and Denver-area native is on a mission to create a national monument in Washington, D.C., to the dogs that soldiers used in combat.
John Burnam, who served two tours of duty as a war-dog handler in Vietnam during the 1960s, presented his case Wednesday to the Colorado legislature, which passed a resolution supporting his efforts.
More than 4,000 dogs, mostly shepherds, were used in Vietnam for scouting, finding hidden explosives and tracking. Most died in Vietnam, with only about 250 returned to the United States. About 2,300 U.S. military dogs are currently in service throughout the world, including Iraq.
Burnam, who served as a dog handler with the 1st Air Cavalry and the 25th Infantry Division, travels the country drumming up support for his idea.
On Wednesday, dogs used for security at Buckley Air Force Base showed their skills on the steps of the state Capitol while Burnam rallied support from the bystanders.
"Our country has never recognized the service of these dogs," he said, standing next to a replica of the national memorial he hopes to fund. The replica was sculpted by Renee Headings of Pennsylvania.
His mission is to raise $1 million, half of which will pay for the sculpture. The other half will go toward purchasing private land in Washington for the memorial, and for administrative costs.
So far, he has raised slightly more than $100,000, he said.
Burnam, a graduate of Littleton High School, is employed as a technical writer in Washington. His website is www.wardogstories.com
They are being used now in Afghanistan :~)
Do you think it's appropriate to have a memorial to viet dogs, quite literally, when there are so many viet vets who still feel they are disenfranchised?
To tell you the truth? There are a lot better ways to spend donated money.
bump
I'm WAY out of the loop on this one. I first heard of this story on today's Laura Ingraham show.
Yes, I think it's appropriate. We should not all refrain from giving to the second-most important cause unless and until the first-important ceases to exist.
There are plenty of causes to go around, all bring relief or pleasure or comfort to someone, including the soldiers who bonded with these dogs and want to recognize their contribution.
'Bout time....good dogs
During my Cold War days, those dogs scared the SNOT outta me - at gates, checkpoints, and road stops.
They served - and sniffed a heck of a lotta things no one else could. A memorial? Sure...
Memorials in this instance are not appropriate, in my mind. A contribution to Guide Dogs for the Blind, or something like that...yeah!
A memorial?
How about spending the money to save a dog shelter in their name?
Ye know what I mean?
I'll not pee on your cause, if you'd kindly return the favor for others!
I already do.
And I volunteer for the speaking newspapers for the blind.
All very active, tangible, practical things.
Memorials don't 'do' anything on a day to day basis.
Good night.
Oiche mhaith.
Gesundheit!
Yes - a memorial. Those dogs did nothing but save American lives.
How about spending the money to save a dog shelter in their name? Ye know what I mean?
I'm kinda jazzed - but there is a difference. The runts found on the street are a bit different than those trained for military operations. Either way, I'm sure there is enough loot to go around...
I WAS cooperative until you went and said that. Now, I'm kinda pissed. (Say, what exactly does 'Oiche mhaith' mean?)
There is that much loot to go around?
Tell that to animal rescue!
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